Sheet The Fuselage Bottom Frame - Top Flite CESSNA 182 SKYLANE Instruction Book

the Main Stringer. Use Thin CA, wiping up any
excess before it dries. Repeat for the other side.
These Sub-Stringers will provide a ledge for the
side sheeting.
22. Lightly sand all joints and blend the
stringers with the formers in preparation for
sheeting. The bottom fuse framework is now
ready for sheeting.

Sheet the fuselage bottom frame

1. Remove the Main Landing Gear struts,
then pin the fuse framework back on the flat
building surface. Push T-pins in at an angle
through the Main Sub-Stringer in a way that
won't interfere with the sheeting.
2. Pin one of the 3/32" x 4" x 48" balsa
Fuse Side Sheets to the Main Stringer. Curve
the sheet into contact with the frame, then use
pins, masking tape and clothes pins to hold it
against the the stringers.
3. Mark the top edge of the first full-
length 3/16" Stringer onto the Fuse Side sheet,
working from the inside of the fuse.
4. Remove the Fuse Side sheet. Carefully
cut away the excess material. Check the fit and
make adjustments as needed with a hobby knife
and sanding block to the top and bottom edges.
When the sheet is flush with the top of the
stringer, carefully trim away another 3/32" from
the bottom edge. The Fuse Side sheet should
now bisect the stringer, allowing for a glue surface
for the next sheet. Test fit the Fuse Side sheet on
the other side of the fuse, then cut a second Fuse
Side using the first one as a pattern.
5. Wipe a damp paper towel over the
outside surface of the Fuse Side to aid with
curving the balsa.
6. Realign a Fuse Side sheet with the
framework, then wick some thin CA into the joint
between the Main Stringer and the Fuse Side
starting midway between the front and back
of the Fuse. Carefully work outward in both
directions along the Main Stringer, holding the
Fuse Side in tight contact with the Main Stringer
as you proceed.
7. Clip and pin (or tape) the top edge of
the Fuse Side to the first stringer. Wick thin CA
31
into the joint, but wipe off any excess before it
cures. Avoid using CA accelerator as it will
create lumps along the seam that will cause
problems when you try to add the next piece of
sheeting. Repeat Steps 4, 5 and 6 for the
other side.
8. Rub a piece of chalk along the top
outside edge of a Fuse Side sheet.
9. Cut two 3/32" x 3" x 36" balsa sheets
down to 26". Save the cut off pieces for later use.
10. Wet the outside of one of these sheets,
then flex it with the grain for a minute or two to
soften it up and start a curve. Align the sheet
along the centerline of the 3rd stringer and the
centerline of F-3, then temporarily hold it in
place with clothespins. Mark the lower edge to
match the top edge of the Fuse Side by pressing
it against the chalk. Remove the sheet, turn it
over and cut along the chalk line for a perfect fit!